Thirty Years' View (Vol. 2 of 2): or, A History of the Working of the American Government for Thirty Years, from 1820 to 1850Benton, Thomas Hart
History
Thirty Years' View (Vol. 2 of 2): or, A History of the Working of the American Government for Thirty Years, from 1820 to 1850
Benton, Thomas Hart
United States -- Politics and government -- 1815-1861
"What say these millions of souls to the sub-treasury? In
the first place, what says the city of New York, that great
commercial emporium, worthy the gentleman's [Mr. Wright]
commendation in 1834, and worthy of his commendation and
my commendation, and all commendation, at all times? What
sentiments, what opinions, what feelings, are proclaimed
by the thousands of merchants, traders, manufacturers, and
laborers? What is the united shout of all the voices of all her
classes? What is it but that you will put down this new-fangled
sub-treasury system, alike alien to their interests and their
feelings, at once, and for ever? What is it, but that in mercy
to the mercantile interest, the trading interest, the shipping
interest, the manufacturing interest, the laboring class, and
all classes, you will give up useless and pernicious political
schemes and projects, and return to the plain, straight course
of wise and wholesome legislation? The sentiments of the city
cannot be misunderstood. A thousand pens and ten thousand
tongues, and a spirited press, make them all known. If we have
not already heard enough, we shall hear more. Embarrassed,
vexed, pressed and distressed, as are her citizens at this
moment, yet their resolution is not shaken, their spirit is not
broken; and, depend upon it, they will not see their commerce,
their business, their prosperity and their happiness, all
sacrificed to preposterous schemes and political empiricism,
without another, and a yet more vigorous struggle.
"Sir, I think there is a revolution in public opinion now going
on, whatever may be the opinion of the member from New York, or
others. I think the fall elections prove this, and that other
more recent events confirm it. I think it is a revolt against
the absolute dictation of party, a revolt against coercion on
the public judgment; and, especially, against the adoption of
new mischievous expedients on questions of deep public interest;
a revolt against the rash and unbridled spirit of change; a
revolution, in short, against further revolution. I hope, most
sincerely, that this revolution may go on; not, sir, for the
sake of men, but for the sake of measures, and for the sake of
the country. I wish it to proceed, till the whole country, with
an imperative unity of voice, shall call back Congress to the
true policy of the government.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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